My father won't let me get treatment for Bipolar Disorder

I was diagnosed today with bipolar disorder and was informed that my doctor has been sure of this for a very long time. I was so afraid to tell my dad that I had my stepmom do it...I'm 99% positive that he hates me now and he refuses to let me take any form of medication for my disorder because he thinks that I will turn into a zombie or some kind of pill head....What do I do? I can't stand being Bipolar I need help I hate having mood swings and snapping at people every five minutes! It's embarrassing.

[ILADVOCATE]

  Yes my mom reacted this way at first with me (this was decades ago) because she didn't understand the nature of a psychiatric disability and also that medications used to treat bipolar are not addictive and that that many of the side effects noted in the past have changed as treatments have improved and the understanding of the correct dosage as well.The psychiatrist I was seeing explained why her concerns were wrong but I know this isn't always possible. People have misunderstandings and one way to help educate them is with informational literature. Nami has some good informational literature on the various psychiatric disabilities. They also have family and friends support groups that can be of help as well. There are also worthwhile books about this. If there are other issues of concern that might make him react this way you could discuss them with a therapist as well. Family members, especially parents need to be supportive of a person's recovery.

[lindahand]

What may help is if you frame it like a trial. Dad, can I try the pills for six months, and if you think they are making me worse we can stop them then. That way it isn't a forever thing, just a trial.

He may be willing to do something like that for you. He is probably just scared. I am sure he doesn't hate you. He may be feeling guilty like he has failed you as a parent because you have bipolar or something like that. Quite often parent's blame themselves for their child's mental illness. But just because he 'doesn't get it' doesn't mean he doesn't love you. If he hated you he would let you take the pills because he wouldn't care either way. He wants to do what is best for you - he just happens to be doing the wrong thing in my opinion. The fact that he has a reaction shows that he cares. He just may not know how to properly show that.

[breezee2010]

First let me start off this reply/update to tell you my step mothers daughter is bipolar and refuses treatment on her own and needless to say my step mom has a time out of her. So therefor she knows what happens when it goes untreated. With that said, my step mom stepped in and talked to my dad and pretty much said "look you don't want her to be like my daughter let her do what she needs to do." So basically stepmom saved the day. I have to call my dr and hopefully begin therapy/treatment soon!!

[Bubulous]

That is awesome.  I am glad to hear you have the opportunity to start the treatment before it gets worse.  I had no idea this problem would be rezolved so quick, but I am glad it was....Kudos

[lindahand]

I am really happy for you. Treatment is a long haul thing. Hopefully the first time out you will get pills that work for you, but you may not. Don't give up. There are dozens of medications and combinations that in time they will find something right for you. And meds will get you about 60% there. The other 40% is things like exercise, diet, and stress management - especially the exercise.

Good luck in your journey.

[nerdtrendysam]

So happy to hear that you are able to get the treatment that you need and deserve!